Hey Everyone! Are you ready to soak up some Vitamin Sea? If your cruise is sailing to hot and sunny ports in tropical places, let’s talk about some cool things to bring on a cruise. Travel essentials for women and men such as:
- After Sun Gel
- Towel Clips
- Pop Up Laundry Bag
- Magnetic Hooks
- Power Strip with USB Ports
This post is especially helpful for first-time cruisers and for those who haven’t been on a cruise in a while.
Do You Really Need a Cruise Packing List?
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Yes. Yes, you do.
Throughout the years while traveling around the world, I have created lists filled with “to do” lists and packing lists for a variety of travel circumstances:
- International Travel Checklist
- Domestic Travel Checklist
- Personal Handbag or Backpack List
- Last-minute Things to do Before Leaving the House List
- Things to Do In the Weeks Before You Travel List
- Beach Packing List for Tropical Places
Each list is a little different (with many similarities) but helps to keep me organized and mindful of all that I need to do to be prepared and enjoy my vacation. I am happy to share them with you!
And now, I have a cruise packing list filled with travel essentials for women and men if you are cruising to tropical places (or even chillier climates around the world where you might need a puffy jacket!)
>> Related: My #1 Favorite Crossbody Bag for Travel
40 Cool Things to Bring on a Cruise
Before packing for any cruise, I highly recommend checking the local weather conditions. You want to make sure you’re bringing appropriate clothing for your trip! If you are headed to the Caribbean or other tropical places, you’ll want swimsuits, shorts and tank tops for sure.
Skin Care Essentials to Take on a Cruise
Click on each numbered heading link for a link to the item on Amazon.
1. Sunscreen
Remembering to apply sunscreen on the first day of your vacation and regularly throughout ALL the days of your cruise helps you avoid uncomfortable sunburns.
I am a big fan of Sun Bum sunscreen. Sunscreen is one of the travel essentials for women and men. Be sure to check them off your cruise packing list, especially if your cruise port excursion includes a day or two at the beach. Sun Bum product features:
- Vegan friendly
- Reef safe
- Provide broad spectrum moisturizing UVA/UVB sunscreen with vitamin E.
You may also be interested in Sun Bum Lip Balm and Sun Bum Leave-in Conditioner for your next beachside or cruise getaway (if you are curly haired, you’ll likely appreciate the anti-frizz qualities of the leave-in conditioner).
2. Face Sunscreen
I use a separate sunscreen for my face—PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45—with a formulation that is water-resistant, has a lightweight finish, and offers broad spectrum protection. Because I wear it everyday, I know that I won’t have any kind of skin reaction to it.
According to the PCA website, the PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen:
- Provides protection for your skin for 80 minutes in water or while sweating
- Protects against UVA rays (aging) and UVB rays (burning)
- Won’t drip into eyes
- Does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it compliant with reef safety laws.
I have used this sunscreen for many years and it is a winner in my opinion. Even my husband loves it. While I don’t use it all over my body because it is more expensive, it is great for my face, neck and ears.
3. After Sun Gel
In the event you do get more sun exposure than expected, the Sun Bum Cool Down Gel provides a cooling and soothing effect while helping to nourish your skin and prevent peeling. The cooling effect totally works!
4. Bug Spray
You don’t really think about needing bug spray in paradise. It is a must for the tropical places packing list.
Are you a magnet for bites at home? Most likely you’ll still attract them while on vacation.
In my research before traveling to Moorea, Tahiti, I read recommendations from other travelers to be mindful of mosquitos and no-see-ums. They recommended BUGGINS Original Gnat & Mosquito Insect Repellent with a light vanilla, mint and rose scent. I didn’t mind the smell at all and the spray kept the bugs at bay.
The spray worked just as well for me in the Caribbean on our cruise shore days.
Swimsuits and Beachy Clothing
If you’re taking a cruise to tropical places, you’re gonna want your clothing to be lightweight, easy to pull on and off, and foldable (or stuffable) without wrinkling. Your cruise packing list should include tanks, shorts and swimsuits for long days by the pool or at the beach along with dressier items that you can wear to dinner.
5. Tank Tops
Whatever your style, a few tank tops are awesome for the hotter tropical climate of the Caribbean and warm destinations around the world.
6. Shorts
Don’t forget to bring the shorts. If you are coming from a cooler (possibly snowy) climate, finding shorts in the middle of the winter is not always easy. Plan ahead or check the abundance of options on Amazon.
7. Flowy Skirt or Sundress
If you aren’t into shorts, you may enjoy the breeziness and comfort of a sundress or skirt.
8. Tropical Dress Shirt
My husband enjoys the coolness of a tropical dress shirt. They are usually flowy and breathable for hot days in the tropics. Plus they make a great transition to a dressier shirt for dinner.
9. Swimsuits
You will definitely want more than one swimsuit, possibly a few mix and match bikini pieces as well. Chances are, you’ll spend your days in your suits.
10. Beach Cover Up
My husband surprised me with this beach cover up in two different colors. It is perfect to wrap around and knot at your waist. I found it to be pretty handy to use at the many hot springs in Colorado that we love to visit.
11. Lightweight Rash Guard
Had a little too much sun? A lightweight rash guard offers sun protection while still allowing your to enjoy activities outside and on the water.
12. Flip Flops and Water Shoes
Similar to wearing a swimsuit or bikini all day, no doubt you will be in flip flops for much of your tropical getaway. If you plan to hike or enjoy some water tours, water shoes make a great alternative footwear.
13. Floppy Hat or Visor
I don’t go anywhere without a floppy hat or visor whether I am touring the dreamy small towns of Italy or enjoying the sun on a beach. I protect my face from the sun.
Cabin Hacks and COOL Things to Bring on a Cruise
Cruise cabins or staterooms are typically small. There isn’t a lot of extra space, so it helps to find ways to keep your cabin organized.
14. Power Strip with USB Ports
Besides being small, there are not a lot of outlets in cruise cabins either. Having a power strip with USB Ports allows you to plug in the variety of devices and chargers that you travel with.
15. Magnetic Hooks
Some sections of your cabin walls will be made of metal. Strong magnetic hooks gives you extra places to hang jackets, hats and lanyards to stay organized.
16. Over the Door Organizer
This is not an item that I typically travel with, but so many cruisers swear by it. The pockets help to keep your belongings organized.
17. Pop Up Laundry Basket
When my husband and I travel together on a cruise with our daughters, he and I share a cabin and the girls are in a cabin together. Let’s just say that one of my daughters is NOT as tidy as the others. Have a pop up laundry basket at least keeps the dirty clothes contained!
18. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are indispensable on a cruise for keeping your clothing organized. They are easy to transfer from your luggage to drawers and shelves.
19. Travel Safe Lock
Most cruise cabins come with a safe. If you feel safer locking things up with a travel lock, that is a perfectly acceptable option as well.
20. Plastic Envelope with Snap Closure
This handy envelope pocket holds all of your daily cruise newsletters and other important papers to keep them organized and easy to find.
21. Sink Laundry Packets
Many cruise ships have laundry facilities or you can have laundry done for you for a fee. If you wish to wash a few small items, the laundry sink packets are amazing.
Pool and Beach Gear
22. Beach Towel
More often than not, beach towels will be provided on your cruise. If you happen to plan excursions on port days, bringing your own towel is a great option:
- snorkeling
- hiking to a waterfall
- relaxing by a beach
- playing in the ocean
A microfiber towel will be perfect as they often dry quickly and absorb more. Some cruise lines do allow you to take towels from the ship.
23. Beach Chair Clamps
I wished I had beach chair clamps on my beach packing list for our recent trip to a Moorea, Tahiti. The clamps would have been great for keeping my towel from sliding down my lounge chair all of the time. I bought some for our cruise to the Caribbean and have added them to my beach and cruise packing list. They double as clothespins when hanging wet suits to dry as well.
24. Sunglasses
My optometrist brothers would both recommend that you don’t leave home without sunglasses. Sunglasses are travel essentials for women and men—fashion and function all in one! Sunglasses should be at the top of your cruise packing list.
25. Snorkel Gear
These full-face snorkel masks are new to us in the past couple of years, but we absolutely LOVE them. They make breathing underwater so easy. My husband and I are easily able to talk to each other underwater as well. If you have a cruise excursion that involves snorkeling (and you don’t necessarily want to use snorkels that 100s of others have had in their mouth), full-face snorkel masks are definitely things to take on a cruise.
26. Crossbody Bag
Check out my favorite crossbody bag for travel. This is one of the travel essentials for women and men that is perfect for carrying the essentials, adding a water bottle, and keeping any valuables close at hand.
27. Beach Tote Bag
A beach tote bag comes in handy as you pack up your sunscreen, tablet, water bottle, snacks, etc. for a day on deck next to the pool or for an excursions to the beach.
28. Insulated Water Bottle
This water bottle has a secret section where you can store small items while enjoying the beach.
Electronic and Photography Things to Take on a Cruise
29. Portable Charger
A portable charger is INDISPENSABLE when traveling, wherever your passport takes you! I don’t know about you, but I use my phone so much more as I travel and having the ability to charge it during the day is a pretty handy.
30. Underwater Camera or Waterproof Phone Case
You’d be surprised how many opportunities you have to use an underwater camera or GoPro. It creates fun shots of tropical fish as well as family and friends.
31. Smart Phone
Beyond the connection a phone gives to family as you travel, it is also my go to for taking pictures. I love the quality of pics from my iPhone 15. Don’t leave home without one!
32. Camera Backpack
The North Face Recon Backpack works as a camera bag AND as a personal travel bag, so if you are into photography, you might be interested in outfitting your backpack to pull double duty with a camera insert (below). And while you’re at it, check out these 15 Popular Photography Gadgets for travel.
33. Camera Insert
This handy dandy camera insert on Amazon transforms the inner section of your backpack. If you are a photography enthusiast and don’t want to travel with ALL of your equipment, this insert is ideal.
33. Camera
Your may or may not want to bring your “big” camera. It is a great option if you want to capture tropical places, sunsets, and family pics.
34. Camera Lens
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens may be attached to your camera body for the majority of the time when you travel. It is quite versatile.
35. Lightweight Camera Lens
The Canon Nifty Fifty Lens is compact and lightweight enough to include in your camera insert.
36. Camera Battery
Don’t forget to pack your camera’s battery. You don’t want to miss any great shots!
37. Battery Charger
Leave the charger in your cabin once you arrive and be sure to charge everything overnight so that it is ready to go each morning.
38. Waterproof Backpack Cover
Have you ever experienced a sudden downpour? It can definitely happen in the Caribbean. A waterproof backpack cover is essential.
39. Lens Pen
Store this in the pockets of your camera insert or in one of the zippered pockets in the main storage area of your backpack.
40. SD card
If you carry more than one SD card in your travel bag, you can also store these in the camera insert if your insert has a zippered pocket on the lid flap for small items.
NOTE * Most of the links here are specific to a Canon 6d Mark II. Click through any Amazon product link in this post and search for the accessories designed specifically for YOUR camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you should NOT forget to pack for a cruise vacation?
Well, everything on this list. But if I were picking one thing, I would recommend that you always remember the sunscreen. But really, you may appreciate everything on the list.
What does “embarkation” mean?
“Embarkation” is the act of boarding a cruise ship, vessel, or airplane. “Disembarkation”, then, is the act of getting off the cruise ship, vessel or airplane at your destination or at a cruise port.
Should you pack a carry on for embarkation day?
Yes. You spend a lot of time in your swimming suit and those are compact enough to fit in a carry on. Just be sure to pack the sunscreen too.
Do cruise ships check your bags?
Yes. All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned through x-ray machines.
What items are prohibited on a cruise ship?
Any type of item that generates heat or produces an open flame: heating pad, clothes iron, clothes steamer, coffee maker, hot plate, candles, incense, and any other item that may create a fire hazard.
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Final Thoughts on 40 COOL Things to Bring on a Cruise to HOT Tropical Places
While you are happily soaking up the sun on your cruise getaway, try to avoid being burned to a crisp or getting sand in places that sand should never be, or swallowing mouthfuls of salty water as you try to figure out your snorkel mask.
If you can avoid all that, you’ll be set because you know the cool things to bring on a cruise vacation. Print your cruise packing list today to have the best time of your life.
You may also enjoy these posts…
- 10 Awesome Things to Do In Papeete, Tahiti: It’s More Than a Layover
- 15 Terrific Things to Do On Moorea Island, Tahiti
- 28 Ultimate Romantic Getaways for Couples
- 7 Best Things To Do in Cinque Terre on a Romantic Couples Getaway
- 70 Sensational Cruise Tips and Tricks
- 109 Awesome I’m Loving the Beach Quotes for Instagram
Just booked a Greek Isles cruise for next year and will follow this advice!
This list is so helpful! Some things I always forget like towel clips, etc.
I have been on the hunt for a good after sun gel for a couple weeks now! This looks perfect, plus I found a few other items to add to my list too. Thank you so much for sharing!
Great list! I haven’t been on a cruise in years but suntan lotion and aloe are always my #1 and #2.
I am planning to go on a cruise and this list is very helpful! I have a full face snorkel mask and absolutely love it too, I am so glad you mentioned it because I would have forget it!
Very helpful list, thanks for sharing. Now I just want to book a cruise somewhere 🙂
Great ideas here and lots of fun stuff! I tried the full-face masks and found them much easier to use. Great post!
Such great tips! We were on a cruise a few months ago and I really kicked myself for not bringing our own snorkelling gear. It would have cost more than double to rent them or do an excursion than it cost to buy our own set! Will definitely bring our own for the next one. Thank you for this post!
Great information! So many things to remember, always pays to have a list!
Packing lists are crucial!! I’m hoping to go on my first cruise next year so this really comes in handy!
Packing lists are essential for traveling! Thanks for sharing your recommendations for what to pack for a cruise! I’ll be saving your recommendations for a future cruise trip.
Thank you for the detailed cruise packing list. I find I always forget something, and end up buying items at the cruise store. I’m going on an Alaskan cruise next year so will use this list. Thank you!
Love the bottle with extra compartment! Going to the beach soon, gonna check for one!
This is such an informative post. I have never been on a tropical cruise before but now I have a fantastic list of things to pack when I do. Thanks for sharing all these tips.